Top 10 Best Basketball Players of All Time

There are billions of basketball fans worldwide and counting. This is not a surprise since Basketball has evolved drastically throughout the years and now belongs at the forefront of entertainment. The excitement involved in the sport seems to grow as new talented players join in. The world witnessed hundreds of basketball talents come and go. But among all of them, who do you consider as the best?

This question inspired me to come up with the list of Top 10 Best Basketball Players of All Time. As most of you might notice, most of the players I included in this list already retired. I firmly believe that these talented basketball players made a great impact in the sport compared to rising stars today. Though I’m amazed of how the new generation is performing, we still can’t deny the fact that they have a long way to go before achieving what these basketball legends have done. If ever you know a basketball player who deserves to be in this list, feel free to leave a comment and explain why. Let me say hello to every basketball fan out there like me! Have a good read everyone!

10. David Robinson

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David Robinson's monstrous dunk.

David Robinson's famous perimeter shot.

David Robinson receiving an award.

David Robinson with teammate Tim Duncan winning NBA championship.

David Robinson and Michael Jordan having a great time back in the court.

David Robinsons gained the title “The Admiral” because of his innate ability to easily dominate a game. He was one of the best centers in his time. Along with his partner, Tim Duncan, he led his team towards consecutive championships. Aside from his height, Robinson can overpower almost anyone inside the paint. The way he position himself is genius as it allows him to outrebound players who are even taller than him. With both power and speed to boast, his presence in the court is highly felt. A team who dares to ignore this mighty force will surely pay the price. Aside from being the best rebounder in his time, Robinson is also known for having a very good attitude in and out of the court which made him even more amazing.

Karl Malone is one of the major reasons why Utah Jazz became the rival of Chicago Bulls for many years. He was called “The Mailman” because he always delivers particularly at times of great need. Karl Malone’s moves are less fancy compared to Michael Jordan, Chicago Bull’s star player during his time. Nevertheless, he never fails to cheer up every team member when it seems there’s no hope. He is a true leader in the court and is highly effective in both offense and defense. Karl Malone often relied on his power so stopping him after gaining a good position inside the paint is almost impossible.

During his time, New York Knicks was not a team without Patrick Ewing as he became its heart. Though he suffered from several injuries in the early years of his career, Patrick Ewing still managed to lead his team to countless victories. He is a rebound specialist. His height, strength, and amazing leaping ability made Patrick Ewing an unstoppable force inside the paint. Goal-tending violations are common with him around since he won’t let any be thrown unchallenged. But what made Patrick Ewing a great player is his leadership. Everyone in his team gets fired up whenever Patrick Ewing makes a monstrous dunk or rebound amidst countless opponents surrounding him. Patrick Ewing’s ability to influence inside the court is also one of the main reasons why New York Knicks was a team feared for many years.

Shaquille O’Neal boasts strength, size, and height. These physical features alone are more than enough for him to dominate the paint in every game. In the peak of big man’s career, it would take at least two men to stop him. Despite having a problem in his free-throws, Shaq was able to improve it later on which proves his dedication towards the sport. The Los Angeles Lakers was unstoppable with Shaq paired with a highly talented forward Kobe Bryant. Their offensive pattern revolves on this mighty duo who never fails to deliver. Shaquille O’Neal was also a monster in the defensive end to the point that carelessly shooting within his range would always mean a powerful block.

Although taller players started entering the league, Shaq managed to stay on the top. For him, it’s not just about being the biggest or tallest. Shaquille O’Neal knows more about achieving optimum position inside the paint compared to every center during his time. Outrebounding Shaq is close to impossible. Leaving him with a weak guard will most likely result to a monstrous dunk that will pump up not only his teammates but the crowd as well.

Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most infamous basketball players during his time and among the reasons why the sport’s phenomenon spread worldwide. He is known for being a highly reliable scorer. In fact, he managed to score a hundred points in just one game against a formidable team. Aside from his height, Wilt Chamberlain’s offensive arsenal relied on athleticism. He can maneuver in mid-air despite being so tall. Wilt Chamberlain’s dunks and rebounds made him an unstoppable force inside the paint. Enemy teams find it hard controlling him impossible once he gained momentum. Though only a few today remember his name, Wilt Chamber surely deserves a spot in this list of Top 10 Best Basketball Players of All Time.

Hakeem Olajuwon kept his team, the Houston Rockets dreaming. This is probably why he gained the title, “The Dream”. With his exceptional basketball skills, Hakeem Olajuwon created a seemingly impossible rally and made his team known worldwide. No one refer Houston Rockets as a formidable team until Hakeem Olajuwon came alongside with Charles Barkley changed everything. With them inside the paint, Houston Rockets dominated the NBA for years. Hakeem Olajuwon is tall and muscular so he finds it very easy to gain position and grab the rebound. Olajuwon’s perimeter shooting is also considered one of his major feats. It would require at least two big men to completely silence him or else Hakeem Olajuwon will easily get inside his comfort zone and pull of a devastating dunk.

Tall players usually excel in rebounding and scoring inside the paint. Larry Bird defied this rule by being one of the best three pointers of all time in NBA. Aside from his prowess in shooting beyond the three-point area, is also a proficient dribbler. He is one of the few tall men who can carry a ball from one side of the court to another effortlessly amidst the enemy team’s tight defense. Larry Bird’s talent in basketball also extends in driving swiftly towards the basket which he usually does with a fake to confuse his defender. Larry Bird’s reliable three points were lifesavers and led the Celtics towards numerous championships during this time.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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Kareem Abdul-jabbar's signature move.

Kareem Abdul-jabbar showing his immense talent in rebounding.

Kareem Abdul-jabbar asking for the ball.

Kareem Abdul-jabbar's unstoppable layup.

Kareem Abdul-jabbar's simple yet powerful one-handed dunk.

Full Name: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Alias: “Lew”, “Cap”

Position: Center

Height: 7-2

Weight: 225 lbs. Born: April 16, 1947 in New York, New York High School: Power Memorial in New York, New York College: University of California, Los Angeles Draft: Milwaukee Bucks, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1969 NBA Draft NBA Debut: October 18, 1969 Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 1995

There were high hopes for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar because of his size. Nonetheless, he proved everyone else that he was much more than a player with insane height. His infamous hook shot is impossible to block and its accuracy is almost 100%. This only means two points are assured once Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leaps and stretches one of his hands. His dedication to the sport is second to none which is seen by how much effort he exerts regardless if the game a crucial or not. He uplifted the standards of NBA like no other player in the history. Though his contribution to the sport is undeniable, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s feet are always on the ground. Hs humility and sportsmanship in and out of the court made him a lovable icon even more.

Magic Johnson’s name is not just for show. He literally does magic in the court with his brilliant passes. He may not have absurd leaping ability and strength like most famous basketball players have but Magic Johnson dominates a game through a unique approach. Instead of scoring, he lets his teammates do the job by drawing the defenses towards him. Once he attracts at least two defenders, he then passes the ball behind his back to an open teammate. This strategy might seem very predictable but it’s never easy to counter if Magic Johnson does it. His passes can come from out of nowhere so predicting when, where, and how it is done seems impossible. Magic Johnson is a living proof that basketball is not just about individual greatness but how every team member work together to achieve victory.

1. Michael Jordan

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Michael Jordan's athleticism is second to none.

Michael Jordan was an NBA dunk contest champion for a reason.

Michael Jordan's famous dunk where he seemed like flying.

A buzzer-beater Michael Jordan made to steal a win against their rival team, Utah Jazz.

Michael Jordan can penetrate even the tightest defense to score particularly during crunch time.

Full Name:Michael Jeffrey Jordan

Alias: “Air Jordan”,”MJ”

Position: Guard-Forward

Height: 6-6

Weight: 195 lbs. Born: February 17, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York High School: Emsley A. Laney in Wilmington, North Carolina College: University of North Carolina Draft: Chicago Bulls, 1st round (3rd pick, 3rd overall), 1984 NBA Draft NBA Debut: October 26, 1984 Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2009

Michael Jordan is a living legend in basketball. Every time he had the ball, audiences were all at the edge of their seats since they knew something great will surely happen. And of course, Air Jordan never fails his countless fans worldwide. Michael Jordan is an all-around player. He defies the law of gravity by launching way off the usual distance while making a dunk. He is also infamous because of his fade-away shot which is virtually impossible to block. Michael Jordan manifested exceptional talent in handling the ball and driving straight towards the basket despite being guarded by among the best defenders in NBA.

He played a big role during the Chicago Bulls NBA domination. Probably one of the best features of Michael Jordan aside from his innate talent in basketball is his attitude towards the game. He will always play at full gear in every game. Michael Jordan exerts every possible effort he can give just to achieve his goals. This above all made him deserving to be considered as the best NBA player of all time.

Comments

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antonio vasquez 15 months ago

Were is steph curry he's #2

Gary 3 years ago

You missed one of the all time best- Oscar Robinson - Average a triple double his first six years in the NBA, 30 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assist much better that Jordan.

Manny 4 years ago

Worst to best

10:Tim Duncan

9:Kareem

8:Isaiah Thomas

7:Patrick Ewing

6:magic Johnson

5:Larry bird

4:bill Russell

3:Kobe

2:Michael Jordan

1:?????

Honerable mentions - Tracy, lebron, Ray Allen, and bill Walton

Soon to be considered one of the greats- Carmelo Anthony, Allen iverson, Paul peirce, Kevin Garnett and al Jefferson.

Tax Lawyer 4 years ago

Wow! Who hired you to write this column? Ever heard of Bill Russell? I thought 11 rings meant something. Your number 1 Jordan has half of those rings. An.d he has two NCAA championships for a sorry-assed U of San Francisco. David Robinson and Patrick Ewing? Sabonis and Maravich had shortened careers but were much better players. And no Dr. J? You didn't include one guard--John Stockton omitted and Ewing included--you have vision problems and can only see centers?

I can understand omitting Kobe and LeBron, but the omission of Bill Russell, THE greatest player of all-time indicates to me that maybe you should be covering hockey.

ashrafula mim 4 years ago

Sports watch basketball sports,sports NCAA Basketball,Football sports,Hockey sports,sports golfvery easy now a day. Beacouse You have HIGH speed internet so you can watch see recent sports.

EJ Lambert 5 years agofrom Chicago, IL

This is a good list but I think Ewing, for as great as he was, doesn't deserve to supplant Bill Russell who beat Chamberlain in every meaningful game they ever played against each other. You also can't forget Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Dr. J. Still a good list.

Seet 5 years agofrom California

GOAT MJ...The Living Legend!

danny 5 years ago

NO RUSSELL!!!!!!!!!!!

raja azhar hayat 5 years ago

MICHEL JORDEN , WHAT an amazing player of d world ? really matchless

torrilynn 5 years ago

dailytop10,

really nice article on the best basketball players

very interesting and i learned something i did not know before

voted up

Paul Richard Kuehn 5 years agofrom Udorn City, Thailand

This is a very well-written and illustrated hub. Now I can understand how you have been able to get 50 k hits in only three months with only a few hubs. You have some great players on your top ten list; however, I think that both Bill Russell of the Celtics and Oscar Robinson should be included. Lew Alcindor aka Kareen Abdul Jabbar and the Bucks wouldn't have been champs in 1971 if it wasn't for the play and leadership of the Big "O." Russell was also responsible for the Celtics winning so many championships in the 50s and 60s. Hub shared with followers.

doctorspaceman6 5 years ago

Great writeup but terrible list. Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, and Kobe are all top 10 locks. I'd have Duncan and LeBron up there too.

Jonno 5 years ago

oh wait nvm Bird has been mentioned but Ewing over Russell? Don't think that's right

jonno 5 years ago

umm..Bill Russell? Larry Bird? Man you must hate the Celtics

dmccray7 5 years agofrom Merrimack NH

Any top ten list which doesn't have Bill Russell is a joke

JC 5 years ago

WHERE IS THE BOSS....... KOBE

chriswalczyk55 5 years ago

My bad, Wilt's on the list.

Chris 5 years ago

This list is extremely out of order, and whoever forgot to put Wilt Chamberlain in the 'top 10" lacks basic basketball intelligence.

jferg 5 years ago

not a great list....where is bill russell? tim duncan? kobe bryant?....cmon now

Author

dailytop10 5 years agofrom Davao City

Thank you.

Sinclair Miller III 5 years agofrom Florida

Awesome Hub.

Terry Hoover 5 years agofrom Denham Springs, Louisiana

Nice list but some old school guys are being left out here, namely Pete Maravich. Still, it's tough to narrow it down with so may good players.

Author

dailytop10 5 years agofrom Davao City

Thanks. I'm glad my list pleased you. Happy holidays!

DREAM ON 5 years ago

You did a great job .I loved the great athletes you have mentioned.

Author

dailytop10 5 years agofrom Davao City

Thank you for liking it. Merry Christmas!

lesliebyars 5 years ago

Great hub and hard to argue against, Jordan can't be touched. Voted up my friend.

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